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Paris, May 3, 2005 - DxO Labs today made available a public beta version of its soon-to-be released DxO Optics Pro version 3.0 software. DxO Optics Pro V3.0 automatically enhances images produced by Digital Single-Lens Reflex (Digital-SLR) cameras and their lenses with revolutionary optics, noise and lighting corrections packed in an all-new, easy-to-use feature rich application.

Serious photographers worldwide are invited to download and test-drive DxO Optics Pro V3.0 from the DxO Labs Web site (http://www.dxo.com) and provide feedback on all aspects of this landmark application.

"I'm delighted that DxO Optics Pro software has won the praise of photographers and journalists worldwide since it was originally introduced in May 2004," said Luc Marin, Vice President of the Photography Business unit at DxO Labs. "Now, less than one year later, with the announcement of Version 3.0 we are also adding significant new image enhancement technologies to benefit even more Digital-SLR photographers around the world."

Digital-SLR and Lens performance enhancementFollowing on the success of the award-winning previous versions, DxO Optics Pro V3.0 takes camera and lens performance enhancement to a new level with the incorporation of several new DxO technologies.

Award-winning DxO Optics EngineDxO Labs' unique, automatic optical corrections are a core part of DxO Optics Pro V3.0. Based on sophisticated models of camera and lens performance, DxO Optics Engine together with the associated lens correction modules automatically removes lens distortion, vignetting, lens softness and lateral chromatic aberration. Corrections can be accomplished automatically with no user interaction required even though the corrections required can differ greatly from one image to the next.

New DxO Noise EngineBased on a set of unique algorithms developed by DxO Labs and on precise camera sensor modelization, the all-new DxO Noise Engine automatically achieves a reduction of up to two stops in image noise while preserving maximum detail. For example, an image shot at 1600 ISO and processed by DxO Noise Engine will present a noise level equivalent to an image shot at 400 ISO.

New DxO Lighting EngineA brand new DxO technology included in this release, DxO Lighting is a unique local exposure and dynamic range optimizer. Automatically replicating analog film techniques known as "dodging and burning", DxO Lighting Engine brings out shadow detail of digital image files while preserving highlights, textures, colors and a natural look.

Operating modes to meet every serious photographer's needsDifferent photographers have different workflow requirements. Recognizing this, DxO Optics Pro V3.0 now provides a choice of three operating modes. All modes are fully batch-oriented for the greatest productivity. Users can switch between modes at any time.

Fully Automatic ModeFully Automatic Mode can really be thought of as a PC-based camera and lens upgrade: every image (JPEG or RAW) is automatically processed with all DxO image enhancement technologies without requiring any user intervention. This is ideal for photographers who want to spend the least amount of time in front of their computers, yet take advantage of the software's unique capabilities for outstanding results.

Key Control ModeKey Control Mode allows adjustment of the essential controls that determine image rendition. In addition to the intrinsic camera and lens enhancements offered by DxO Optics Pro, Key Control Mode is especially useful for quickly fine-tuning the interpretation of an image. It is also ideal for users who want control of their photos without being overwhelmed with choices.

Expert Control ModeExpert Control Mode is the operating mode for users who want to combine DxO Labs' unique image enhancement technologies with their own interpretation and processing. In particular, for RAW file processing, the Expert Control Mode offers a full set of adjustment options, presets, output choices, etc.

Availability of DxO Optics Pro V3.0 Public Beta SoftwareDxO Optics Pro V3.0 Public Beta software is available now, free of charge through www.dxo.com. In addition, DxO Labs has setup a dedicated blog at www.dxo3beta.com to provide continuous interaction with the photography community throughout the beta-test period.

Pricing and upgrade programsAs is customary, once the final software is released DxO Optics Pro V3.0 will be offered in two versions with the same functionality but different levels of camera support:

All purchasers of DxO Optics Pro 2.2 on or after April 20th, 2005 are eligible for a free upgrade to DxO Optics Pro V3.0 upon release. For all other users, upgrade to DxO Optics Pro V3.0 will be offered at US $49/ € 39 (excl. tax).

About DxO Labs and its DxO TechnologyDxO Labs is a software company developing image generation and enhancement technologies. We provide reliable off-the-shelf solutions for serious amateurs and professional photographers, photography journalists and experts as well as companies in the imaging business such as digital camera or cameraphone vendors, mobile operators, and printing or photofinishing professionals.

The company's patented DxO technologies, the DxO Technology Foundations, are the result of state-of-the-art academic mathematical research. The DxO Technology Foundations comprise a set of software components to generate images or correct major imaging defects, such as color, contrast, blur, various optics faults, JPEG artifacts, etc.

For more information, visit DxO Labs online at www.dxo.com

DxO is registered trademarks of DxO Labs. Other trademarks and trade names may be used in this document to refer to either the entities claiming the marks and names or their products. DxO Labs disclaims any proprietary interest in trademarks and trade names other than its own.
(First posted on Tuesday, May 3, 2005 at 08:00 EDT)